Terry Moerler PARTNERS Buyer Booklet

Your Personal Real Estate Consultants for Life

30700 Russell Ranch Rd. Suite #200Westlake Village, CA 91362

805.777.7777 or 805.376.2999Websites: www.TerryMoerlerPARTNERS.com

E-Mail: [email protected]

Excellence...Pure & Simple

“You don’t build it for yourself, what you do is

know what people want and build it for them.”

Walt Disney

Buyer Booklet

The Road to Success isPaved in Gold when…

helps you find your way home.

Excellence in Real Estate Services

Our Team approach is designed to use our combined knowledge, experience and skills to providethe expertise and service our customers and clients deserve. Whether you are a first-time buyer orseller, considering a move to a larger or smaller home, or merely wondering about real estate as aninvestment, our unique counseling approach will provide a “plan of action” designed especially tohelp you make prudent real estate decisions. After that, our goal is to ensure a smooth process inthe purchase or sale of Real Estate. We view all challenging and difficult situations related to areal estate transaction as opportunities to use our professional skills to find solutions that bestachieve the real estate goals of our customers and clients. You can count on Terry Moerler PART-NERS to help you find your way home.

Introducing Terry Moerler PARTNERS

Terry Moerler, ABR, CRP, CRS, SRES, E-Pro Technology CertifiedBroker Consultant PARTNER & Owner / (805) 267-5802 / Ter-

Terry has held a Broker’s license for over twenty five years specializing in real estatecounseling. Formerly a loan officer and Income Tax Practitioner, Terry has helped over2,000 families and individuals to meet and/or exceed their real estate goals. Terry’senergy, commitment, enthusiasm and keen knowledge of the industry have made herone of the most sought after speakers at real estate conferences and conventions. Shedonates her speaking honorariums to local charities and has raised over $50,000. Terrywants to ensure that clients have access to expert real estate services seven days a week.

Terry spends her leisure time traveling with her husband and business partner,Raymond. She is quite proud of her daughter, Marlene, who graduated from Mt. St.Mary’s with a BS in Nursing. Marlene started her career as a Pediatric Nurse at UCLAand currently works at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks. Marlene and her hus-band, Clinton, have two sons, Jack & Charlie. Terry loves being a “Nana”. Terry hasbeen an active Rotarian since 1988 and is involved in many charitable and communityorganizations. Terry truly believes that “one person can make a difference” and encour-ages everyone she meets to bring a can of food to their local food bank for the less for-tunate.

“Being your Personal Real Estate Consultant is not only my business philosophy, but alife-long commitment to providing you exemplary personalized service beyond yourexpectations. It is also my philosophy to listen, hear and truly understand your needs, aquality of business conduct that seems to have been forgotten in today’s highly automat-ed society.”

Chris Westwood immigrated from Fareham, England to Westlake Village in 1982 with hisparents and two younger sisters. Leaving everything they knew behind, the Westwood fami-ly sought and realized a better opportunity for themselves, when his father went on to foundand build a small business in the area. A thirty-year native of the Conejo Valley, Chris nowproudly raises his own two beautiful children, Cameron and Colette, . In his rare free mo-ments, Chris enjoys following European Football and his favorite team, Tottenham Hotspur,or playing worthy opponents in a hometown soccer scrimmage.

Chris specializes in residential real estate sales in the areas he knows well and loves - theConejo Valley, Calabasas, Moorpark, Simi and Camarillo. Whether helping individuals inthe quest for a first home, or working with investors to acquire that prime investment prop-erty, to guiding people through the sometimes emotional process of selling their homes, orhelping a family establish new roots in a new community, Chris treats every client with thesame level of passion, personal touch and professionalism. A commitment to exceeding hisclient's expectations in every transaction is the reason why Chris has been able to success-fully build his business by referral. The reward of a happy client drives Chris to deliver re-sults and inspires his strong worth ethic.

Working a little differently than most agents, Chris invests time up front to really listen tohis client's wants and needs, educates them throughout the process, and helps formulate aplan to meet their specific goals. Clients have been able to put their trust in Chris because ofhis philosophy that people come first. His heightened sense of attention to detail allows for apossibly stressful and overwhelming process to become streamlined and more enjoyableknowing that things will be handled quickly, professionally, and perhaps with a bit of hu-mor.

Chris WestwoodSenior Consultant PARTNER / (805) 630-1806 / [email protected]

CalBRE Lic # 00774777

Cal BRE Lic. # 1755816

Raymond partners with Lynn Johnson-Kane, Transaction Manager, and together they work closelywith our clients attending inspections, escrow signings, plus a host of other activities to successful-ly complete a transaction.

Raymond’s MBA is quite useful when handling the financial needs and services required to operatea high volume real estate team. As a licensed real estate agent and working in every aspect of theoperation since 1983, Raymond can “pinch hit” whenever The Team needs him.

His contagious laugh can be heard on the golf course where he’ll often be seen with clients wholove a challenging round. He loves flying, sailing, and can be found at the gym every morningrunning the basketball court.

“I pride myself in doing ‘whatever it takes’ to support Terry and The Team to exceed theexpectations of our clients. I especially enjoy getting to know our clients, many of whom havebecome personal friends over the years.”

Raymond McCarthy, MBABusiness PARTNER & Owner / (805) 377-9932 / [email protected]


Cal BRE Lic # 1523573

Linda PhillipsOperations Manager PARTNER / [email protected]

Linda brings more than 30 years of wide ranging experience in office administration, accounting,marketing, automation, and project management to Terry Moerler PARTNERS. She is a hands-onfacilitator, assisting Terry Moerler, Kim Woods, Lynn Johnson-Kane, and other team members innumerous areas of office operations and customer service.

In her spare time, Linda is an avid reader and helps the non-profit Discovery Center of Science &Technology market its many programs. She also enjoys golf, tennis, and photography, and, with her loveof animals, was a docent for the Los Angeles Zoo. She lives with her husband Ken in Moorpark. Lindahas a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts with a minor in Biology.

“I view myself as a problem solver and I am dedicated to helping Terry Moerler PARTNERS meet itsoperational and administrative goals that benefit the company, its affiliates, and its clients. It’s great tobe a part of such a dynamic, professional organization that truly cares about its staff and its customers.”

Lynn Johnson-KaneTransaction Manager PARTNER/ (805) 267-5807 / [email protected]

Lynn partners with Raymond McCarthy coordinating the detailed process once a transaction goesunder contract and the escrow closing process begins. She works closely with clients, lenders,inspectors, escrow companies and cooperating agents. Her attention to detail and genuine concern forour clients ensures that all of our transactions close as smoothly and successfully as possible.

Lynn graduated from California State University, Northridge with her BA in Speech Communication.She loves spending time outdoors with her husband Chris and their two sons.

“As a previous client myself, I remember how special my experience with Terry Moerler PARTNERSwas when I bought my first house. I am so happy that I am able to give this same wonderful experi-ence to our clients.”


CalBRE Lic. # 01343948

Robin HageyRealtor PARTNER / [email protected]

Born on the East Coast, bred in the New York City area, Robin knows what it means to move. She’slived all over the world, from New York City, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., to Paris and Jerusalem.

Robin spent much of her career as a reporter for a wide range of publications, from Good Housekeepingand Self magazines to United Press International and the Los Angeles Times (her research andcommunication skills are essential to her success as a realtor) and later in public relations and marketing(also vital when it comes to helping clients sell their homes).

Robin, her husband and their two kids moved to southern California in the early 1990s, then took a briefhiatus in Rochester, NY, where they adopted their absolutely adorable and now very old Westie, Max.Perfect weather and golf and tennis 52 weekends a year lured the family back in 1999.

Robin has been involved in the community ever since, volunteering for a number of organizations andserving as PTA president for both Park Oaks Elementary School and Westlake High School in ThousandOaks.

She was recently named Vice President of Ways and Means for the Moorpark Women’s fortnightly Club,a service organization dedicated to raising funds to enrich the educational needs of the local community.

CalBRE Lic#01740573


Nguyet partners with Terry Moerler and Chris Westwood as their Listing Man-ager. She facilitates all the activities to prepare a property to be marketedthroughout the Conejo Valley. She works closely with the sellers and does allthe pre-marketing of the home to ensure that the home becomes active and pre-sented well for a smooth and timely sale.

Nguyet graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Health Educationand Corporate Wellness with a background in computer technology.

Outside of real estate, Nguyet dedicates her time to supporting her family andcommunity by volunteering at her children’s schools and baseball events. Inaddition, attends Calvary Community Church and participates with many oftheir events.

Nguyet AuListing Manager PARTNER / [email protected]

CalBRE Lic# 01912944

ABOUT KELLER WILLIAMS REALTYOften, we judge the caliber of people by the company they keep – this is why I would like to tell you a little bitabout Keller Williams Realty and my office within the Keller Williams system.Keller Williams® Realty was founded in Austin, Texas in 1983 with the specific premise that buyers and sellersdeserve the best service for their real estate needs. For more than 17 years that founding premise has been amajor factor in the continued growth of Keller Williams® across North America. Two visionaries lead KellerWilliams® Realty – Gary Keller, founder and Chairman of the Board, and Mo Anderson, Chief ExecutiveOfficer. Because each Keller Williams® Market Center has grown within its respective community, KellerWilliams® real estate agents have intimate knowledge of each community's character, mood, and growthpotential. Due to the fact that the majority of Keller Williams® Associates live in the communities and neigh-borhoods they serve, they are eager and capable of tackling unique challenges that families encounter when se-lecting new homes. At Keller Williams® Realty, we are Real Estate Consultants. We are not salespeople. Whatthis means is that we build fiduciary relationships with our clients; we promise to represent your bestinterests! We are a profit sharing company where associates are in partnership relationships with the owners; thismeans that everyone at Keller Williams® Realty wants your home to sell because everyone benefits.

The Keller Williams Culture is based upon a Belief System that is summed up by this acronym

WI4C2TS

Win-Win or no deal

Integrity do the right thing

Commitment in all things

Communication seek first to understand

Creativity ideas before results

Customers always come first

Teamwork together everyone achieves more

Trust begins with honesty

Success results through people

Excellence...Pure & Simple!

Terry Moerler PARTNERS “Spirit”

Our Mission“We believe in Old Fashioned Values: honesty, hard work, education and service with

enthusiasm. People are our business - Real Estate Service is our product!Our goal is to accomplish YOUR goals.”

Our Vision To provide outstanding service based on outstanding information systems,

technology, and specialization designed to benefit our clients. Excellent systemsand teamwork are imperative to outstanding service.

To help our clients achieve their maximum benefit with their real estate resources. To be the leaders as Real Estate Consultants to save our client time and protect their

resources. To commit ourselves to professional development and to share our expertise to

contribute to raising the standard of the real estate industry.

Our ValuesWe believe in the following values that guide everything we do and make it possible forus to achieve our mission and make our vision a reality:

INTEGRITY: To act with conviction and pride, believing in our mission, and to treateach other and those we serve with respect, honesty and truth.

CARE: We dedicate ourselves to meeting our clients on their terms and customizingour service to meet each client’s individual needs.

QUALITY: To exceed our client’s expectations in outstanding personal service, tocontinuously challenge ourselves to achieve excellence and to creatively explore newand better ways to serve our clients.

“We intend to earn your trust and referral. To be your Real Estate Consultants for life -that is our commitment. It would be our pleasure to serve you.”

Your Real Estate Team for Today & Tomorrow


What Is A “Real Estate Consultant?”What Makes Us Different?

A Real Estate Consultant invests the time at the beginning of your relationship determiningwhere you are on the continuum shown below. As your “trusted advisor,” we meet you atthe level you are at and offer the guidance and education you need to bring you to the nextlevel (and the next level, etc.) until you are comfortable with being committed to your realestate decisions.

The Consultant Continuum

Idealistic CommittedFrustrated Decisive

Defiant AwareResigned

As your Personal Real Estate Consultant, we optimize your experience with the real estate processby adhering to the following seven principles:

1. We believe every man, woman, and child has dignity; therefore, we consistently demonstrate adeep sense of empathy.

2. We believe that most people feel out of control during the transaction; therefore, we constantlyremind ourselves that people are silently asking to be guided in the right direction.

3. We believe communicating with compassion is the greatest way to make an impact; therefore,we communicate with compassion, or we don’t communicate at all.

4. We believe the word “service” means to put others ahead of ourselves; therefore, we alwayskeep others at the center of our attention.

5. We believe that success comes to those who have well-defined goals and plans to attain them;therefore, we concentrate on helping people gain focus, so they can take trusted action.

6. We believe every person has a hierarchy of trust within every relationship; therefore, we growto understand that the highest level of trust is within a deep spiritual base.

7. We believe that the development of positive people skills and a hopeful attitude is necessary totruly serve others; therefore, we have an on-going program of personal and professional devel-opment.

Our commitment to you is to “do whatever it takes” to make every facet of your transaction as smoothand comfortable as humanly possible.


Some of the Most Common QuestionsAsked At a Counseling Session

1. What do I need to do before I think about purchasing a home?

2. Do I need to be pre-qualified?

3. Are “fixer-uppers” for me?

4. Should I sell before I buy?

5. Can I afford to buy?

6. What is a “Clean Offer”?

7. If an agent has already shown me a house, is he/she my agent?

8. Can I go to open houses without my agent?

9. How can an agent help a couple make a joint decision?

10. What are the “other” costs in buying a house besides taxes?

11. What is a “Dual Agent”? Is this in my best interest?

12. Does location matter?


Communication…The key to a successful home purchase

Together, we will sit down to discuss the type, size, style and location of the kind of home youare interested in purchasing. After extensive research on our part, together we will previewhomes that fall into that category.

Through constant communication and the benefit of our newest technology “Instant Home Find-er Service”, we will keep you apprised of any new homes that come on the market in which youmight be interested. Once we have found that perfect home, we will negotiate with the sellers toget the best possible price and terms for the home you desire and follow it to a successful clos-ing.

You will benefit from our years of experience in the real estate business at no cost to you. Ourcommission generally comes from the seller.

Real Estate Consultant Buyer Contribution

SuccessfulPurchase

• Property Information

• Area Information

• Financing Sources

• Real Estate Skills

(negotiating agree-

ments, settlements)

• Property

Requirements

• Area Selection

• Financial

Information

• Property Selection


What Are Your Concerns?

Please review and rank your concerns on the scale from “None” to “Very” Concerned.

Area of Concern: Level of Concern:

COSTS:Payment-----------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryPoints --------------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryClosing Costs ----------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryInspections -------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryFinancing ---------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryUtility Costs------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryUpkeeping Costs ------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat Very

AREA:Schools ------------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VerySecurity/Crime---------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryNeighbors---------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VerySport Center------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat Very

HOUSE:Construction------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryArchitecture ------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryTermites-----------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryFloor Plan---------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryCleanliness -------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryStorage ------------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryHouse Color------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryBedrooms/Baths-------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryKitchen------------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryFamily Room ----------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryGuest Suite -------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryOffice--------------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat Very

PROPERTY:Yard Size ---------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryLandscaping------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryPool/Spa ----------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryPatio ---------------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryPrivacy ------------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryHorse --------------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryGarage-------------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryRV Parking-------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat VeryGated --------------------------------------------------------------------------None Somewhat Very


Buyer Desires

NEEDS:

WANTS: It would be nice if my new home had these features, but I can live without them.

WISHES: I wish these features were possible and if you could get them I would be amazed!

A. _____________________

B. _____________________

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C. _____________________

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K. _____________________

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N. _____________________

O. _____________________

A. _____________________

B. _____________________

C. _____________________

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I. _____________________

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Different Kinds of Markets

Buyer’s MarketIn a buyer’s market, there is abundance of inventory – many houses to choosefrom. Buyers have more selection and are typically in a better negotiating posi-tion. In a buyer’s market, there are few multiple offer situations and it is notusually necessary to pay more than the listed price.

Seller’s MarketIn the Seller’s market, there is a shortage of inventory – very few houses tochoose from. Buyers have a limited selection and find themselves in a toughnegotiating position; where multiple offer situations are the norm. It is im-portant to know that it may be necessary to pay more than the asking price ifyou want to get the home.

YES,You Can Buy the FIRST Home You See!!!

Often, buyers have the perception that they’ll need to see 20 or 30 homes be-fore they make an offer on the one they want.

Quite the contrary. We find that by listening carefully to what you need andwant, we’ll be able to select the best properties to match your criteria and, quitepossibly, the first home you see WILL be the one you buy.

So grant yourself permission to have trusted in this home-buying process and itcan be a quick, hassle-free, and – dare we say – enjoyable experience!


Avoiding The Most CommonMistakes Home Buyers Make…

1. Not understanding a local market and all that is available.

2. Not screening the masses—trying to see everything both in their price range

and not.

3. Not understanding pricing and the value of certain amenities.

4. Weak negotiating. This mistake alone can cost the buyer thousands of dollars.

5. Not requiring the proper inspections.

6. Not understanding all available financing.

7. Looking for the perfect home.

8. Not previewing schools, shopping and other neighborhood amenities.

Utilizing our exclusive service,your home purchase will go smoothly

and you will avoid these common mistakes.


Benefit of Buyer Agency

Although the typical agreement spells out the fiduciary duties an agent must fulfill for the seller,the buyer is often left, in a sense, unrepresented. However, buyers have the option of being rep-resented exclusively by their own agent. Consider the following benefits of Exclusive BuyerAgency:

LOYALTYThe real estate agent must act in the best interest of the buyer.

OBEDIENCEMust follow the lawful instructions of the principle (buyer).

DISCLOSURE OF ALL MATERIAL FACTSExamples, but not limited to:• Relationships between agent and other parties• Existence of other offers• Status of earnest money• Seller’s financial condition• Property’s true worth• Commission split with other brokers• Legal effects of important contract provisions

CONFIDENTIALITYAny discussions, facts, or information that should not be revealed to others but does notinclude responsibility of fairness and honesty in dealings with all parties.

ACCOUNTING IN DEALINGSReporting of where any money placed in the hands of the broker is kept.

REASONABLE SKILL AND CARE• Arriving at a reasonable purchase price and advising buyer of such• Affirmatively discovering material facts and disclosing them to the buyer• Investigating the material facts related to the sale

As a buyer’s agent, we represent you and your interests in the purchase of your new home, notthe seller’s interests. This is different from a typical sub-agency transaction where the buyer isnot technically represented. When you are looking to make the biggest investment of your life,it’s not hard to understand why it is important to be represented exclusively.


Questions To Ask WhenLooking For a Buyer Agent

Are you a full-time Realtor?

What Real Estate designations do you have?

Are you an Accredited Buyer Representative?

How long have you been in the business?

How many buyers did you represent exclusively in the past 6 months?

What approach do you take to determine your client’s needs?

How well do you know the area, school districts, etc.?

How often can I expect to hear from you during the process of finding our home?

Do you have Team Members to support you?

Do you consider yourself a tough negotiator? Why?

Why should I work exclusively with you?

Who pays the commission?

Who represents me?

What are REO’s, short pay-offs and probates? Can you explain each one to me? Doyou specialize in any of them?

Can you provide references and testimonials?


Buyer’s Guarantee You’ll love Your New Home

Purchasing a home is an important decision that effects your life in many ways. With such alarge step, there is bound to be some level of hesitation. If within ninety days of moving intoyour new home, you don’t love it, we will get your home sold and completely waive our listingcommission.

1. Guarantee period begins on date of recordation and , ninety days afterward.

2. The waive of the listing side of the commission does not include any closing costs or otherseller’s expenses including (but not limited to) a sales commission, if applicable.

It takes a strong belief in this kind of stance, but we won’t settle for less—and neither shouldyou. We guarantee that you will be happy with our service and your results. It’s not enough tosimply make empty promises. Business professionals should have consequences for not keepingtheir promises and commitments. Business professionals should be held accountable for theirperformance. Our guarantee gives you the control you deserve.

_______________________________________________________________________________________Terry Moerler PARTNERS Signature Date

Don’t Buy Your Home From Someone Who Won’t Guarantee Their Work!

Historically REALTORS® were not required to work with buyers under a formal buyer agencyagreement. Most states now require that all real estate agents disclose agency in the form of aConsumer Notice. A real estate agent can work with a buyer in a variety of agency relationships.

Most agents do not educate their clients. We work with our buyers in a Buyer Agency Relation-ship. What does this mean to you? This means we are working strictly for you, our buyer, inyour best interest!

IRS Tax Return

Confusing!

Loan Application

Complicated!

Terry Moerler PARTNERS’Home Buyer Guarantee

Simple!


Your Commitment to Us

We have explained in depth the advantages of working with TerryMoerler PARTNERS as your exclusive buyer’s agent. In return we askyou:

To communicate responsibly and honestly. To willingly provide pertinent information as needed. To promptly inform Terry Moerler PARTNERS of any changes

in timing, requirements, or other critical information that will af-fect your service commitment.

To submit a loan application and all lender-required informationwithin the time frames of the contract when financing.

To enter into contracts in good faith and make every effort to ad-here to all negotiated contingencies.

To inform all other real estate agents that you are represented byTerry Moerler PARTNERS.

I agree to work solely with Terry Moerler PARTNERS for the next____ days in a cooperative effort to locate and purchase a new home.This agreement may be cancelled at anytime without obligation by ei-ther party.

_________________________________________________________Buyer Signature Date


EASY EXITWhat’s your biggest fear when you list your home with a real

estate agent? It’s simple. You worry about being locked into a lengthylisting agreement with a less than competent real estate agent, costingyour home valuable time and exposure on the market.

Well, worry no more. Terry Moerler PARTNERS takes the riskand the fear out of listing your home with a real estate agent. How?Through their EASY EXIT Listing Agreement.

When you list your home through Terry Moerler PARTNERS’sEASY EXIT Listing Agreement, you can cancel your listing with themat any time. No hassles. It’s easy.

♦ You can cancel your listing anytime

♦ You can relax, knowing you won’t belocked into a lengthy or binding contract

♦ Enjoy the caliber of service confidentenough to make this offer to you

Terry Moerler PARTNERS has strong opinions about real estateservice. They believe that if you are unhappy with the service you re-ceive, you should have the power to fire your agent.

It takes a strong belief in the quality of one’s service to take thiskind of stance, but Terry Moerler PARTNERS never settles for less thanthe highest standards. They are confident you will be happy with theirservice and results. That’s the simple truth.

Terry Moerler PARTNERS always stands behind their servicebecause they believe you deserve “Excellence... pure and simple.”

What happens if you need to sellBEFORE you buy? We have...


Let’s Find Your

New Home!

THE HOME-BUYING PROCESS

We understand the many questions and concerns of home buyers and how this information willbe helpful throughout the transaction. We assure you that it is our goal to provide the most pro-fessional and informative service available.

Consultation to analyze needs

Establish a working relationship

Get pre-approved by lender Decide to pay cash

View new/resale homes withyour dedicated buyer specialist

Select home

Present offer Escrow deposit

Acceptance of contract Inspections Remove contingencies

Mortgage application Credit report Appraisal Verifications

Underwriting ConditionsRejection

Loan approval

Title Company Title exam, insurance, survey

Assemble documents

Closing


MOVING DAY!

15 Things Every Buyer Should Know Before Purchasing

1. Property taxes and qualified home interest are deductible on an individual's federal incometax return.

2. Many times, a home is the largest asset an individual has and is considered one of the saf-est investments available.

3. A homeowner can exclude up to $500,000 of capital gain if married filing jointly or up to$250,000 if single or married filing separately. The home must have been the taxpayer'sprincipal residence for the previous two years.

4. A portion of each amortized mortgage payment goes toward the principal, which is aninvestment.

5. A home is one of the few investments you can enjoy by living in it!

6. The majority of the time, a REALTOR® can show you any home, whether it is listed witha company, a builder or a For Sale By Owner.

7. Working with a REALTOR to purchase a For Sale By Owner property is very advanta-geous because someone will be looking out for your best interests.

8. A real estate professional who can provide you financial information will give you a dis-tinct advantage in making the right decisions.

9. A pre-approved program will actually approve you for a specific loan amount subject tothe property. This will give you confidence and will help when negotiating with the seller.

10. Your real estate professional can provide you with a list of items that you'll need to submita loan application, so you'll be ready when the time comes.

11. The right to conduct a property inspection, included in your purchase agreement, givesyou the ability to negotiate with the seller once you know all the facts about the property'scondition.

12. A Home Protection Plan can provide coverage for selected items, such as central heat andinterior plumbing, built-in appliances, water heaters, etc. If the seller is not providing thiscoverage, you can purchase it yourself.

13. Ask your real estate professional if he or she is familiar with the neighborhoods you wantto live in. Ask how many homes he or she has sold in those areas in the past year.

14. Working with a REALTOR who has an office "team" helps assure the buyer thatthe transaction will be handled smoothly.

15. In a "seller's market," don't go looking for a deal. Set your sights on the right house foryou, and then let your REALTOR help you negotiate the best price and terms.


FINDING THE RIGHT HOME

We can show you any home listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Services) or on the Internet,any property advertised in newspapers/magazines (by any broker) and any house with a ForSale sign.

We can help you understand the real estate market. We care, constantly watching for the homesthat have what you are looking for. As these homes become available, we will contact you im-mediately to let you know. Here are some specific ways we look:

MLS

The Multiple Listing Service provides a complete list of homes for sale in the Venturaand L.A. Counties. Realtors cooperate so you will see every home on the market,whether it is listed with us or any other company. This is a standard first step in thesearch process, regardless of which agent you choose.

We go further by customizing a search for you. By analyzing your criteria, we willemail you new listings as potential properties come on to the market. To save you time,we preview hundreds of homes each month.

FSBOs

For Sale by Owners are not ideal for several reasons. When a professional agent is notguiding the seller through the process, there are many more chances of error, especiallyat closing. Amateurs who try to sell their homes usually cause delays, which costs mon-ey, not to mention the potential legal mess. FSBOs have a much higher risk on the 11th

hour closing problems, sometimes ending in no deal. For you, this means loss of moneyand wasted time. Although this is not always the case, FSBOs can be frustrating.

The goal is to get you into the right home. Since the sellers pay all the agents, we willstill contact FSBO homes. Some agents do not work with FSBOs. Still, if you see aFSBO home you love, jot down the address and the phone number. We will be happy tocheck it out for you.

OPEN HOUSES

Open houses are a great way to get a sense of the market. You will be able to see de-signs, style and prices. You can also see specific homes in your target neighborhoods.The more information you have, the better prepared you will be when writing an offerlater.


FINDING THE RIGHT HOME Continued...

BUILDERS

Most builders employ unlicensed sales reps. These salespeople represent the builder and are not heldto the same standards or ethics as Realtors. Builders encourage working with Realtors and are willingto pay the brokerage fee. If you work directly with a builder without your Realtor, you typically willnot save money because builders keep the commissions they would have paid. Also, you will give upyour own representation.

We offer one-stop shopping for people looking for new-building homes. We provide all the floorplans from the variety of the builders and areas. This saves you time from going to many places. Besure if you visit a model home that you tell the host that you are working with us. Then, to protectyourself in the transaction, be sure that you give the host our business card.

INTERNET

If you want to view many listings very quickly, go to the Internet. You can see and review propertiesfrom the comfort of your own home. Surfing the Web is a good place to start if you are not sure whatyou are looking for and just want to get some good ideas. Beware! Many of the listings on the Webare not updated. You do not want to fall in love with something already sold. This could waste a lotof your time.

Once you have a sense of the kind of home you are looking for, we will search the Multiple ListingService for you. As part of our service, we will send you daily email updates to make sure you are notmissing a single opportunity.

DRIVING AROUND

This tried and true way of house hunting still works. Most people like driving around their new neigh-borhoods and seeing the “what and where's”. It is nice to plan and dream as you go. It is faster thanopen houses, more current than the Internet, and usually, it is a lot more fun than anything else.

Let us get the details for you. Since most agents do not give as much information as we do, you mayhave trouble finding a spec sheet on the For Sale sign. Keep a pad and pen handy in your car so whenyou see something, you can jot down the listing agent, phone number and address. Give us a call, andwe will find the information for you quickly.


Financing

A strong relationship with local lenders is very important, and Terry Moerler PARTNERS has it.

Many buyers are applying for a loan and obtaining approval before they findthe home they want to buy:

Here are the benefits:

• You look at the “right” homes.• You save money dealing with a comfortable seller• You can close quickly.• You minimize the trauma of not knowing whether or not you qualify.

Beware Internet LendingNo matter where you are, it’s always a good idea to have a local lender.Personal contact makes them more accountable and accessible to you.

Search with ConfidenceOnce you’re pre-approved, you’ll know exactly how much house you can afford.And you’ll have an edge over other buyers in multiple-offer or negotiating situations.


MAKE AN OFFER

Having delivered hundreds of successful offers, we understand the secret of PowerNegotiating.

We will personally deliver your written offer to the seller with their agent present.There is no better way to represent your best interest than a face to face presentationby us, on your behalf.

THE OFFER IS PRESENTED IN WRITING AND WILL INCLUDE:

The Price

The Terms

Down Payment – Your cash investment in the proper ty.

Deposit at Contract Signing – The customary deposit is 3 percent of the purchase price.

Mortgage Pre-approval – A copy of your mor tgage pre-approval will be presented to theseller with your offer.

Contingencies – These usually include satisfactory disclosures, repor ts, structural pestcontrol inspection and a home inspection. The inspectors are usually at the discretion ofthe expense of the purchaser. The offer is also subject to obtaining a clear title to the prop-erty and review and approval of any CC&Rs, etc.

Mortgage Contingency – You will only need this contingency if you have not completedthe pre-approval process.

Inclusions/Exclusions – Personal proper ty which is and is not included in the purchase,i.e., appliances, etc.

Closing Date – The buyer and the seller mutually agree on the closing date. This is an onor about date. Although we all work diligently towards closing on time, there are over 80tasks that need to be completed prior to this happening.

The seller will do one of three things with your offer:accept, reject or counter

You can count on us to be there for you every step of the way!


Explanation of Property Inspections

Structural Pest Control Inspections

Often referred to as a “termite report,” the Structural Pest Control Inspection is conducted by a licensedinspector. In addition to actual termite damage, the Pest Report will indicate any type of wood-destroyingorganisms that may be present, including fungi (sometimes called “dry rot”), which generally results fromexcessive moisture.

Section 1 ConditionsMost pest reports classify conditions as Section 1 or Section 2 items. Section 1 conditions are those which are “active,”or currently causing damage to the property. Generally, Section 1 items need to be corrected before a lender will makea loan on a home.

Section 2 ConditionsSection 2 items are those which are not currently causing damage, but are likely to, if left unattended. A typical Sec-tion 2 item is a plumbing leak where the moisture has not yet caused fungus decay.

Who Pays?The Purchase Contract will specify who is responsible for the cost of the inspection and making these corrections. Thisis a negotiable item and should be considered carefully.

Physical Inspection

The physical inspection section in your Purchase Contract, allows the right to have the property thoroughly inspected.This is usually done through a General Home Inspector. While Home Inspectors are not currently required to have alicense, most are, or have been, General Contractors. The inspection and the resulting report provides an overall as-sessment of the present conditions of the property.

What is Inspected?The Home Inspector covers items such as exterior siding, paint, flooring, appliances, water heater, furnace, electricalservice, plumbing and other visible features of the property.

The physical inspection is a general inspection and will often call for additional inspections by specific trades such asroof and furnace inspections.

Further InspectionIf conditions warrant, the Home Inspector may recommend a Structural Engineer’s Report. Such reports would identi-fy structural failures and detail recommended correction.

Who Pays?Typically, all inspections are paid for by the Buyer.

Geological Inspection

You may also elect to have a Geological Inspection to educate yourself as to soil conditions at the home. This inspec-tion is performed by a Geotechnical Engineer and involves not only physical inspecting of the property, but also re-searching past geological activity in the area. The primary purpose of the Geological Inspection is to determine thestability of the ground under and around the home.

Who Pays?Typically, the Buyer pays. But as with other inspections, this is negotiable according to the contract.

Home WarrantyHome Protection Plans are available for purchase by a Buyer or a Seller. Such plans may provide additional protectionof certain systems and appliances in the home.


What You Need To KnowAbout Escrow?

What Is Escrow?

Escrow is the process by which the interests of all parties in a real estate transaction are protected, insuringthat all conditions of the sale have been met before property and money changes hands.

The escrow is an independent depository wherein all funds, instructions, and documents for the purchase ofyour home are held, including your down payment, your lender’s funds, documents for the new loan, haz-ard and title insurance, inspection reports, and the grant deed from the seller. At the close of escrow, the“escrow holder” delivers these items to the appropriate parties, disperses the funds, and handles the associ-ated paperwork.

What Does An Escrow Holder Do?

The escrow holder is the neutral third party that maintains the escrow account. They partially oversee theescrow process, making sure all conditions of the sale are properly met.

The Escrow Holder’s Duties Include:

• Serving as the neutral party and liaison between all parties involved.

• Requesting a preliminary title search to determine the status of the title to the property.

• Requesting a beneficiary statement of death or obligations are to be taken over by the buyer.

• Requesting a payoff demand for beneficiaries when the seller is paying off debt.

• Complying with the lender’s requirement as specified in the instructions to escrow.

• Securing releases of all contingencies or other conditions imposed on the escrow.

• Preparing or securing the deeds and other documents related to escrow.

• Prorating taxes, interest, insurance, and rents.

• Preparing escrow instructions.

• Receiving purchase funds from the buyer.

• Receiving loan funds from the buyer’s lender.

• Closing the escrow pursuant to instructions supplied by the seller, buyer and lender.

• Recording the deed and any other documents.

• Dispersing funds as authorized by the instructions, including changes for title insurance, recording fees, realestate commissions and loan payoffs.

• Preparing final statements for all parties involved that account for the disposition of all funds held in the es-crow account.

• Requesting the title insurance policy.


The Escrow Procedure

Your escrow is created shortly after all the parties have executed the contract to purchase your home.Escrow cannot be successfully completed until all escrow instructions have been carried out and all par-ties have signed escrow documents.

The length of the escrow can change from a few days to several months, depending on the terms of thepurchase agreement. On average, an escrow closes within 30 to 45 days.

Opening the Escrow

Your real estate agent will open the escrow for you as soon as all parties execute the purchase agree-ment, placing your initial deposit into the escrow account. You usually receive a written receipt for yourdeposit with your copy of your purchase contract.

At the opening of escrow, you may be asked to provide identification information such as your birth dateand Social Security number. This information remains confidential.

The Loan Process

Unless you’re paying all cash, or you are not prequalified, your next step is to select a lender and applyfor a mortgage loan. Your real estate agent can explain current financing options and help you select alender.

Once you have decided on a lender, you will complete the loan application, providing personal and fi-nancial information. As part of the qualification process, the lender will verify this information and ap-praise the value of the property you are purchasing.

The lender will require you to obtain hazard/fire insurance if you are purchasing a detached home. Ifyou are buying a town home or condominium, there may already be a master hazard insurance policy;check with your real estate agent. Also, check with your insurance agent about additional coverage foryour personal property.

The lender will also require you to obtain title insurance.

When your loan is approved and loan documents are sent to your escrow officer, the escrow officer pre-pares “amended escrow instructions.”

Amended Escrow Instructions

Amended escrow instructions define all the conditions that must occur before the transaction can be fi-nalized. The escrow instructions represent your written statement to the escrow holder (the title compa-ny) protecting your interests and specifying, in a debt and credit format, the disposition of the sales pro-ceeds and conditions under which the Grant Deed may be recorded in favor of the new buyer.


Prepare escrow instructions and pertinent documents

Request beneficiary statement

Obtain SignaturesOrder Title Search

Receive and reviewpreliminary report

Request beneficiary statement and enterinto file...review terms of transfer

and current payment status(is prior approval necessary to record)

Receive demands(if any), request

clarification of otheritems (if any) and

review taxes on report

Receive demandsand enter into file

Process financing

Request and preparenew loan application

Obtain loan approvaland determine thatterms are correct

Request loandocuments

Review file to determine that all conditions have been metand that all documents are correct and available for signature

(termite inspection, contingencies released, fire insuranceordered additional documents...second deed of trust,

bill of sale, etc. have been approved)

Figure file and request signatureson all remaining documents

Prepare escrowinstructions and

pertinent documents

Prepare escrowinstructions and

pertinent documents

Obtain funds from buyer

Funds

Order recording

Close file: prepare statements and disburse funds

Complete closing, forward final documentsto all interested parties...buyer, seller, lender


THE CLOSING PROCESS

Signing Loan Documents

Your escrow officer or real estate agent will contact you to make an appointment to sign your loan docu-ments. The escrow officer will tell you the amount of money you will need (in addition to your loanfunds) to complete the purchase. This amount will include “closing costs” such as appraisal fees, loanfees, escrow charges, advance payments on property taxes and home owners insurance, the title insurancepremium, inspection charges and the like.

Your Appointment

Before coming to sign loan documents, make sure you have done the following:

• Identify all your lender’s requirements and make sure you have satisfied them. Your loanofficer or real estate agent can assist you.

• Obtain hazard/fire insurance. Once your loan is approved, call your escrow officer or agentwith the insurance agent’s name and telephone number so that the escrow officer can verify thatthe policy meets your lender’s requirements. You must have your policy in place before the lend-er will send your loan funds to escrow.

• Obtain and bring with you a cashier’s check or certified check issued by a California institu-tion in the amount indicated to you by your escrow officer when you made the appointment tosign your loan documents. You can also wire the money. A personal check or out-of-state checkcould delay closing.

• Bring either your valid driver’s license or passport to your appointment so that the notarypublic can verify your identity.

After the Sign Off

After you have signed your loan documents, the escrow officer will send them to the lender for a final re-view. The review usually occurs within a few days, after which the lender advises the escrow officer thatthe lender is ready to fund the loan. If all the conditions of the escrow have been satisfied, the escrow of-ficer will inform you of the date the escrow will close and will take care of the technical and financial de-tails.

The Close of Escrow

Close of escrow signifies legal transfer of title and occurs when the seller’s Grant Deed to you is filed withthe county recorder. As well, the lender’s deed of trust on your home records congruently with the GrantDeed. Recording usually occurs within one working day after loan funds are received in escrow. Severalweeks after closing, the county recorder’s office will mail you the original Grant Deed.


UNDERSTANDING CLOSING COSTS

Application Fee: Fee charged by the lender to offset fixed costs related to mortgage loan pro-cessing such as appraisal, credit report, and underwriting.

Closing Fee: The fee charged by the closing agent who prepares the closing documents andcloses the loan on behalf of the lender.

Commitment Fee: This is often called an or igination fee.

Discount Points: Each point is equal to one percent of the mor tgage amount. The lender usespoints to adjust the yield on the mortgage when it is sold to an investor. By paying more points, theborrower can obtain a lower mortgage interest rate.

Funding Fees: Normally applicable to VA loans only, it is equal to one percent of the loanamount. The fee is due at closing or may be added to the loan amount and financed.

Homeowner's Insurance: A one-year premium is due in advance at time of closing.

Mortgage Insurance: Insurance that is required by the lender when the down payment is lessthan 20 percent. In the case of loan default, this insurance reduces the lender's loss.

Pre-Payables: Adjustments to escrow accounts from the date of closing to the date of the firstpayment. Interest is paid through the end of the month of closing. Taxes are paid through the endof the month of closing plus the following month. Two months of PMI (Principal Mortgage and In-terest) are collected.

Processing Fees: Fees charged by the escrow processor , either working for the escrow compa-ny, Title Company, or real estate company for administrative services performed from the point ofcontract through closing.

Recording Fees: Fees charged by state or municipal entities for enter ing the closing docu-ments into the public record.

Survey Fee: The title company checks the survey for encroachments from within or fromoutside the subject property.

Title Insurance: Provides protection for lenders and homeowners against financial loss re-sulting from legal defects in the title.

Underwriting Fee: Practices vary from lender to lender . Check the good faith estimate forthe amount of the underwriting fee.


WHAT IS TITLEINSURANCE AND WHY

DO YOU NEED IT?

The deed to your new home is not enough to en-sure clear title; it is merely an instrument where-by the sellers transfer right of ownership to you.It doesn’t prove that the person described as theseller is actually the clear owner, and it does noteliminate claims or rights that others may haveon the property. You cannot determine from thedeed what rights, liens, or claims may be out-standing against your title.

You should be protected against any undiscov-ered claims that may arise in the future to threat-en your title. A title insurance policy providesthis two-fold protection in accordance with yourinstructions and wherein the perimeters of yourpolicy.

Although your mortgage lender will most likelyhave a title insurance policy, it only protects thelender’s interests in the property, not your invest-ment, and it decreases as the mortgage is paidoff. You need owner’s title insurance to protectyour ownership for the full amount you paid forthe property.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

A Title Company conducts a thorough search andevaluation of public records looking for situa-tions that may cloud the title of your new home,such as:

• Are all taxes and special assessments paid?• Does anyone have special rights to the prop-

erty that would limit your ownership?• Has the death of a former owner or the filing

of a will affected title to the property?• Are there undisclosed heirs or spouses of the

seller?• Are there any lawsuits or claims recorded

against the property itself, or suits or judg-ments filed against the seller?

WHAT ABOUT HIDDEN RISKS?

Claims that cannot be discovered by examina-tion of the Public Records – called “hiddenrisks” could arise along when you purchase theproperty.

Here are just a few of the most common hiddenrisks that can cause a loss of title or create anencumbrance on your title:

• False impersonation of the true owner ofthe property.

• Deeds, releases or wills.

• Undisclosed or missing heirs.

• Instruments executed under invalid or ex-pired power of attorney.

• Misinterpretations of wills.

• Deeds by persons of unsound mind.

• Deeds by minors.

• Deeds by persons supposedly single, but infact married.

• Liens for unpaid estate, inheritance, in-come or gift tax.

• Fraud.

WHAT ABOUT PREMIUMS?

Unlike most forms of insurance TitleInsurance is only paid for once. This relativelymodest charge ensures your title for as long asyou or your heirs own the property. Typicallythe seller pays for the Title Insurance policy,but it is negotiable.

TITLE INSURANCE:THE END RESULT

By obtaining a title insurance policy you arebacked by the strength and security of a nation-al title insurer.


IMPORTANTREAL PROPERTY TAX DATES

JANUARY 1 – ASSESSMENT DATE.Taxes become a lien at 12:01 a.m. not yet due andpayable for the Fiscal Tax Year starting July 1.Thereafter, title evidence must show taxes as a lien forthe coming Fiscal Tax Year.

APRIL 15 – LAST DAY TO FILE FOR 100%VETERAN’S OR HOMEOWNER’S EXEMP-TION.To be eligible for applicable exemptions, you mustown an occupied property on March 1.

JULY 1 – CURRENT FISCAL TAX YEAR BE-GINS.

NOVEMBER 1 – FIRST INSTALLMENT DUE(First installment – July 1 to December 31)

DECEMBER 1 – LAST DAY TO FILE FOR 80%VETERAN’S OR HOMEOWNER’S EXEMP-TION. DECEMBER 10 – FIRST INSTALLMENTBECOMES DELINQUENT AT 5:00 PM10 percent penalty added to taxes due. If December10 falls on a weekend or a holiday, taxes are not delin-quent until 5:00 p.m. the next business day.

JANUARY 1 – CALENDAR YEAR BEGINS.

FEBRUARY 1 – SECOND INSTALLMENT DUE.(Second installment – January 1 to January 30)

APRIL 10 – SECOND INSTALLMENT BE-COMES DELINQUENT AT 5:00 PM10% penalty plus $10 administration charge attaches.If April 10 falls on a weekend or a holiday, taxes arenot delinquent until 5:00 p.m. the next business day.

JUNE 30 – PROPERTY TAX MAY BECOMEDEFAULT.If you fail to pay either or both installments by 5:00p.m., property tax becomes defaulted and additionalcosts and penalties occur. If June 30 falls on a week-end or a holiday, taxes must be paid by 5:00 p.m. ofthe preceding business day.

REMINDER – PROPERTY MAY BE SOLD ATPUBLIC AUCTION AFTER 5 YEARS OFDELINQUENCY.

HOW PROPERTY TAXES ARE DETERMINEDProperty taxes are governed by the California StateLaw and collected by the county. The County Asses-sor must first assess the value of your property to de-termine the amount of property taxes.

Generally, the assessment value is the cash or marketvalue at the time of the purchase. The value increasesnot more than 2% per year until the property is sold ornew construction is completed.

The Auditor-Controller applies the appropriate taxrates, which include the general tax levy, locally votedspecial taxes and any city or district direct assess-ments.

The Tax Collector prepares property tax bills based onthe Auditor-Controller’s calculations, distributes thebills and then collects the taxes.

CAN YOU DISAGREE WITH THE AMOUNT?You may apply to the Assessor to see if the office willchange the valuation.

Additionally, Appeals Board has been established forthe purpose of resolving valuation problems. Appealsregularly assessment may be filed between July 2 andSeptember 15. Appeals on correct assessments, es-caped assessments (assessments that do not take placewhen they should have), or supplemental assessmentsmust be filed no later than 60 days from the mailingdate of the corrected, escaped or supplemental tax bill.

FILE AN APPEAL BUT REMEMBER TO PAYTHE TAX.If you choose to appeal, still pay your tax installmentsin full by the appropriate deadlines or you may incurpenalties. If your appeal is granted, a refund will beissued to you.

DID YOU RECENTLY PURCHASE PROPER-TY?Although Escrow Property taxes and gives appropriatecredit between Buyers and Sellers, the actual taxesmay not have been paid and you are responsible forany unpaid taxes at the close of escrow.

Read your escrow papers and/or title reports to deter-mine if any portion of annual taxes were paid by theprevious owner before the close of escrow.

The Tax Collector will not send a bill for the remain-der of the year in which you acquire the property un-less requested. If any tax remains unpaid, call the TaxCollector and request a bill. When you call, give theAssessor’s Identification Number.


UNDERSTANDINGSUPPLEMENTAL

PROPERTY TAXES

When was the Supplemental Real Property Law en-acted?Governor George Deukmejian signed a SupplementalReal Property Tax into law in July 1983. It is expected toproduce over $300,000,000.00 per year to aid Californiaschools.

How do supplemental taxes affect the homeowners?Supplemental property taxes only affect individuals whoare buying property or initiating new construction. Afterthe purchase or new construction is complete, the newowner will receive a bill for supplemental property taxeswhich will be a lien against the property as of the date ofthe ownership change or upon the date of the completionof the new construction.

When and how are the bills generated?It is not easy to predict when the new property owner willbe billed. It may be as soon as three weeks after escrowcloses or the new construction is completed. It also mighttake six months or more, depending on the county that theproperty is located in and the workload of the CountyAssessor, County Controller-Auditor and the County TaxCollector.

The Assessor will appraise the property and advise theowner of the supplemental assessment amount. Theproperty owner will then have the opportunity to discussthe evaluation, and apply for a Homeowner’s Exemptionand be informed of their right to file for Assessment Ap-peal. The Assessor then calculates the amount of the sup-plemental tax bill to the property owner. The bill willidentify the amount of the supplemental tax and the datethe tax will become due and delinquent.

How will the amount of the bill be determined?A formula is used to determine the tax bill. The totalsupplement assessment will be prorated based on thenumber of months remaining until June 30, and the end ofthe tax year.

The proration factor works like this: The supplementaltax becomes effective on the first day of the month fol-lowing the month in which the change of ownership orcompletion of new construction actually occurred.

If the effective date was July 1, then there will be no sup-plemental assessment of the current tax role and the entiresupplement assessment will be made to the tax role beingprepared. If the effective date is not on July 1, the factorsrepresented assessment on the current tax roles.

Example: The County Auditor finds the supplementalproperty tax would be $1,000.00 for a full year. Thechange of ownership took place on September 15 with theeffective date beginning October 1. The supplementalproperty tax would be subject to the proration factor of.75 and the supplemental tax would be $750.00.

Can the supplemental tax bill be paid in installments?All supplemental taxes are payable in two equal install-ments. The taxes are due on the date the bill is mailedand are delinquent on a specific date depending on themonth the bill is mailed as follows:

1. If the bill is mailed within the month of October,the first installment will become delinquent onDecember 10 of the same year. The second in-stallment will become delinquent on April 10 ofthe next year.

2. If the bill is mailed within the months of No-vember through June, the first installment willbecome delinquent on the last day of the monthfollowing the month in which the bill is mailedand will become delinquent on the last day ofthe fourth calendar month following the date thatthe first installment is delinquent.

Will supplemental property taxes be prorated in es-crow?The supplemental tax is a one time tax due for the periodfrom the date of the new ownership or completion of thenew construction, until the end of the tax year on June 30.The obligation for this tax is entirely that of the propertyowner

If effectiveDate is:

ProrationFactor is:

If effectivedate is:

ProrationFactor is:

August 1 .92 February 1 .42

September 1 .83 March 1 .33

October 1 .75 April 1 .25

November 1 .67 May 1 .17

December 1 .58 June 1 .08

January 1 .50


There are many “perks” when you become a client of Terry Moerler PARTNERS. Oneis the use of our 15-foot moving truck for your personal needs, and those of yourfavorite church or charity. All it takes to reserve our truck is a call to Terry MoerlerPARTNERS and a donation of food for the local MANNA Food Bank.

Our business over the past 30+ years has been built almost solely by existing clients andreferrals. We sincerely look forward to assisting you, your family, friends and associateswith all of your real estate needs. Whether it’s a small condo, a large estate, aninvestment opportunity, or if you simply want an honest, straightforward discussion ofyour options, The MoerlerTeam is here to provide you with service...beyond yourexpectations.

Make The Right ChoiceAnd

Get Moving…with

Terry Moerler PARTNERS!

Subject to Availability Local Moves Only



Continued...


Excellence...

EXCELLENCE is never an accident. It is achieved in a person or company only as aresult of an unrelenting and vigorous insistence on the highest standards ofperformance. It requires an unswerving expectancy of quality from the person orstaff.

EXCELLENCE is contagious. It infects and affects everyone. It charts the directionof the business. It establishes the criteria for planning. It provides zest and vitalityto the company. Once achieved, EXCELLENCE has a talent for permeating everyaspect of the life of the organization.

EXCELLENCE demands commitment and a tenacious dedication from everyone inthe organization. Once it is accepted and expected, it must be nourished andcontinually reviewed and renewed. It is a never-ending process of learning andgrowing. It requires a spirit of motivation and boundless energy. It is always theresult of a creatively conceived and precisely planned effort.

EXCELLENCE inspires, it electrifies. It potentializes every phase of people’s lives.It unleashes an impact which influences every activity, every staff person. To instillit in an organization is difficult; to sustain it even more so. It demands adaptability,imagination and vigor. But most of all, it requires from everyone, a constant state ofself-discovery and discipline.

EXCELLENCE is an organization’s life-line. It is the most compelling answer toapathy and inertia. It energizes a stimulation and pulsating force. Once it becomesthe expected standard of performance, it develops a fiercely driving and motivatingphilosophy of operation. EXCELLENCE is a state of mind put into action. It is aroad-map to success. When a climate of EXCELLENCE exists in people, staff,management and projects, business becomes easier.

EXCELLENCE in a person and an organizationis important...BECAUSE IT IS EVERYTHING.


By Referral OnlyLast year, over 95% of our businesswas repeat or referral.

What it means to you...

We spend 100% of our time delivering first class service to you, ourclients. We do not spend our time cold calling or knocking on doorslike most Realtors have to do. You receive our undivided attentionand the dedication to detail you have come to expect from us. We arecontinuously reevaluating and updating our systems in order toprovide you with better service.

We are able to spend our time working for you, because you, our“client for life”, recommends us to your family and friends and workassociates knowing that you can be confident they will receive thesame level of service you have come to expect from us.

We want you to be so thrilled with our service that you can’t wait totell your friends about us.


By Referral Only®Means That For You We Would

But...We would rather WOW you with “World Class Service” soyou would love to tell your friends, family members, andco-workers about your wonderful Real Estate Experience

Climb Mt. Everest Walk a Pirate’s Plank Join A Circus Side Show

Have Dinner With A CannibalGo 15 Rounds With A Champion Endure Hideous Torture

Swim With Sharks Bail Out Of An Airplane Scale The Steepest Cliff


Results Speak for Themselves!Wonderful Words From Terry Moerler PARTNERS’s Buyers

“Laura and I are still pinching ourselves to make sure that we’re really here! We cannot thank youenough for the extraordinary work you did to get us into our new home so soon. We never thought itwould be possible to move so quickly. Your many kindnesses both big and little have given us a newvision of what service can be, although I doubt we’ll ever experience anything to compare with the“Terry Moerler PARTNERS’ Model” again. We know ours wasn’t an easy or routine transaction, so weare especially grateful to you for what you did. Even though we weren’t buying one of the highest pricedhomes you deal with, whenever we were with you or when we called, we always felt that we were yourmost important clients.” -Robert & Laura Danes

”Terry Moerler PARTNERS are professional in the truest sense of the word. Courteous, businesslike,enthusiastic and honest, we could not have wished for a better agent to assist us with our move. I thinkhis attention to detail was what made the whole experience feel like he really wanted the very best for us- Chris really listened to our preferences and applied this knowledge to his hunt for our "perfect home".He was really on our side and fighting our corner every inch of the way. Chris made sure to make him-self available to us whenever we needed, and really went above and beyond the call of duty. All of thisdone with a sense of humor (you need it in real estate), good grace and an organized approach that left usfeeling like we were never on our own. Chris really wants the VERY best for his clients regarding prop-erty, price, timelines etc., and added to all that he is just one of the nicest, most genuine people you couldevery meet. He made what could have been a very stressful time for us a whole lot easier, and is a profes-sional to the core.”

“I remember the first day we talked on the telephone, late in January of this year. Little did I realizewhat a role you would play in this very big event of my life...becoming a first-time home buyer! Fromthe beginning I have admired your enthusiasm and love of your work. Your knowledge of the marketallowed you to rapidly focus on properties to show me. The repertoire of properties we explored pre-pared me very well for knowing when I had seen the home for me! From that moment through the con-tract details and through closing I felt totally comfortable in knowing that you were taking care of me.That comfort is priceless. May I say that I enjoyed working with your entire efficient, competent staff.So, thank you again and again. It is an added delight to have a friend whom I can call for help as I con-tinue to get settled in Thousand Oaks.” -Paula Brown

“If I were restricted to only one word to describe Terry Moerler PARTNERS, I would have to say EXCEP-TIONAL! Thankfully, however, I can add a whole lot more! I met Chris at an open house over a year agowhen I was in the market for an investment property. I didn’t have a realtor or agent at the time and, as youcan imagine, everyone I met was eager to take me on as a client. But there was something special about Chrisand I knew instantly that I’d pick him when I was ready to make a purchase. From the beginning of showingproperties to the closing of an escrow and beyond, Chris made me feel like I was his only client. He consist-ently demonstrated a genuine concern for my well-being, dedication to the process, and good solid advice onpurchasing a short-sale. Even through my indecisiveness as to whether to buy a house or a condo, he re-mained patient and eager to help me find just the right property to suit my needs. Without hesitation, I canwholeheartedly say that whether you are selling, buying, or investing, you can trust Chris to help you meetyour goal. And by the way, the British accent doesn’t hurt either!”


GLOSSARY

These definitions are to acquaint the homebuyer with terms commonly used in real estatetransactions. These terms are intended to be general and brief and are not complete and wholly ac-curate when applied to all possible uses of the term. Please consult us for more information orquestions regarding these terms.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM): A mor t-gage with an interest rate that changes overtime in line with movement in the index.

Adjustment Period: The length of timebetween interest rate changes on an ARM. Forexample; a loan with an adjustment period ofone year is called a one-year ARM, whichmeans that the interest rate can change once ayear.

Amortization: Repayment of a loan inequal installments of principal and interest,rather than interest-only payments.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The totalfinance charge (interest, loan fees, points ex-pressed as percentage of the loan amount).

Assumption of Mortgage: A buyer 's agree-ment to assume the liability under an existingnote that is secured by a mortgage or deed oftrust. The lender must approve the buyer inorder to assume the loan.

Beneficiary: Lender .

Cap: The limit on how much an interestrate or monthly payment can change, either ateach adjustment or over the life of the mort-gage.

CC&R's: Covenants, conditions, and re-strictions. A document that controls the use,requirements and restrictions of the property.

Closing Statement: The financial disclosurestatement that accounts for all the funds re-ceived and expected at closing, includingdeposit for taxes, hazard insurance, and mort-gage insurance.

Contingency Clause: A provision in someARM's to fixed rate loans, usually after thefirst adjustment period. The new fixed rate isgenerally set at a prevailing interest rate forfixed rate mortgages. This conversion featuremay cost extra.

Due on Sale Clause: An acceleration clausethat requires full payment of the mortgage ordeed of trust when the secured property chang-es ownership.

Earnest Money: The por tion of the downpayment delivered to the seller or escrow agent

Fannie Mae (once known as Federal Nation-al Mortgage Association (FNMA)): A pr i-vately owned corporation created by Congressto support the secondary mortgage market. Itpurchases and sells residential mortgagesinsured by FHA or guaranteed by VA, as wellas conventional home mortgages.

Fee Simple: An estate in which the ownerhas unrestricted power to dispose of the prop-erty as he wishes including leaving by will orinheritance. It is the greatest interest a personcan have in real estate.

Finance Charge: The total cost a bor rowermust pay, directly or indirectly, to obtain creditaccording to Regulation Z.

Guaranteed Payment Mortgage: A residen-tial mortgage with monthly payments that startat a low level and increase at a pre�deter-mined rate.

Home Inspection Report: A qualified in-spector's report on a property overall condi-tion. The report usually includes an elevationof both the structure and mechanical systems.

Home Warranty Plan: Protection againstfailure of mechanical systems with the proper-ty. Usually includes plumbing, electrical,heating systems and installed appliances.

Index: A measure of interest rate changesused to determine changes in an ARM's inter-est rates over the term of the loan.

Joint Tenancy: An equal, undivided owner -ship of property by two or more persons.Upon death of an owner, the survivor takes thedecedent's interest on the property.

Lien: A legal hold or claim on proper ty assecurity for the debt or charge.

Loan Commitment: A written promise tomake a loan for a specified amount on a speci-fied terms.

Loan to Value Ratio: The relationshipbetween the amount of the appraised value ofthe property, expressed as the percentage ofthe appraised value.

Margin: The number of the percentagepoints the lender adds to the index rate to

Negative Amortization: Negative amor tiza-tion occurs when monthly payments fail tocover the interest costs. The interest that is notcovered it added to the unpaid principal bal-ance, which means that even after severalpayments you could owe more than you did atthe beginning of the loan. Negative amortiza-tion can occur when an ARM has a paymentcap that results in monthly payments that arenot high enough to cover the interest.

Origination Fee: A fee or charge for estab-lishing a new loan.

PITI: Principal, interest, taxes and insur -ance.

Point: An amount equal to 1 percent of theprincipal amount of the investment or note.The lender assesses loan discount points atclosing to increase the yield on the mortgage tothe position competitive with the other types ofinvestments.

Pre-Payment Penalty: A fee charged to amortgagor who pays a loan before it is due.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Insur -ance written by a private company protectingthe lender against loss if the borrower defaultson the mortgage.

Purchase Agreement: A written documentin which the purchaser agrees to buy certainreal estate and the seller agrees to sell understated terms and conditions. Also called a salecontract, earnest money contract or agreementfor sale.

Realtor: A real estate broker or associateactive in a local real estate board affiliatedwith the National Association of Realtors.

Tenancy in Common: A type of joint owner -ship of property by two or more persons withno right of survivorship.

Title Insurance Policy: A policy that pro-tects the purchase, mortgage or other partyagainst losses.


This information is provided for informational purposes only. We suggest that you contact an attorney and/or C.P.A. for specificadvice on how you should actually vest your title.


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